Photography via Bilal Khan.

TAG Heuer’s Monaco needs little introduction, neither in the world of mechanical watches nor in the realms of motor racing. Introduced in 1969 as one of the first self-winding chronographs and housed in a square quase which was water-resistant, it soon rose to fame, also thanks to Steve McQueen who wore it in the movie Le Mans, and, as legend has it, also in private. Since its debut there have been many intriguing executions, varying the hallmark features of this legend, such as the colors of the dial and sub dial, most notably with Gulf?s signature powder blue and bright orange hues. Like TAG Heuer, this oil company sponsored some F1 teams in the seventies. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary in 2019 five commemorative and limited Monaco timepieces, of which each was dedicated to a decade, were introduced.
That year also saw the introduction of the most important technical update, with the introduction of the Monaco Calibre Heuer 02 driven by the eponymous manufacture caliber TAG Heuer had introduced two years earlier. This automatic chronograph which amasses a power reserve of 80 hours features a column-wheel control and a vertical clutch. The new inner workings also meant that the Monaco had the crown on the right side for the first time in its history and that the subsidiary seconds indication was positioned at 6 o?clock. Naturally, the latest line-up also comes with this state-of-the art movement.

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